Liable: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in legal and financial contexts when someone is at risk of being legally required to do something or to pay for something. It often implies a sense of vulnerability or obligation.

• The company is liable for any damage caused by its products
• If you don't pay your taxes, you may be liable for penalties

Used broadly in many contexts where someone is expected to take care of something or someone. It indicates a general duty or obligation.

• She is responsible for managing the budget
• Parents are responsible for their children's well-being

Commonly used in professional or formal settings to indicate that someone is required to explain their actions or decisions. It often implies a sense of transparency and responsibility toward an authority.

• The manager is accountable for the performance of the whole team
• Public officials should be accountable to the citizens they serve

Similar to 'accountable', but often used in a more direct or immediate context where someone has to explain their actions or decisions. It can carry a sense of personal obligation.

• You are answerable to your parents for your behavior
• The committee members are directly answerable for the project's failure

Used when talking about being responsible for something, often in a legal or formal context.

• If the company is found to be liable, they will have to pay a fine.
• You could be held liable for any damages.

Used when talking about being required to do something, often due to external pressure or a sense of duty.

• I felt obliged to attend the meeting.
• We are obliged to follow the rules.

Used when referring to an obligation or duty, typically in a formal or legal sense. Can also indicate that something is certain to happen.

• She is bound by contract to complete the project.
• He was bound to arrive late due to the traffic.

Typically used when feeling grateful or owing thanks to someone, often in a moral sense.

• I am deeply indebted to you for your help.
• We are indebted to our volunteers for their hard work.

Used when discussing responsibility or likelihood, often in a legal or formal context.

• The company is liable for any damages caused by their product
• She is liable to pay a fine if she breaks the law

Used when talking about a general preference or disposition, often regarding habits or tendencies.

• She is inclined to agree with her friends on most issues
• He is inclined to work late into the night

Used when discussing a tendency to experience something, usually negative or undesirable.

• He is prone to making mistakes when he rushes
• She is prone to headaches under stress

Used when referring to a natural tendency or appropriateness, often in positive or neutral contexts.

• He is apt to excel in mathematics due to his strong analytical skills
• The phrase was apt for the occasion